H.E. Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, has extended Pope Leo Recovery wishes following the pontiff’s recent surgery to remove a lung tumor. He also praised Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to peace, compassion, and dialogue, emphasizing the importance of these values in international relations.
In his message, H.E. Nechirvan Barzani expressed hope that the pope would recover fully and resume his duties when possible. He also recalled their meeting at the Vatican in May, highlighting the opportunity they had to exchange views and discuss issues affecting communities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The message followed a Vatican announcement on Tuesday regarding the pope’s medical treatment. The 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a tumor from his lung. Doctors subsequently confirmed that the tumor was cancerous.
Although the diagnosis has drawn attention to the pope’s health, H.E. Nechirvan Barzani focused his message on recovery and appreciation for the pontiff’s public service. He highlighted the pope’s emphasis on dialogue and compassion, principles that remain important amid regional and international challenges.
H.E. Nechirvan Barzani met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 18, 2026. During their meeting, they discussed the circumstances of different communities across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Their conversation addressed issues affecting the region’s diverse population and the role communities play in its social future.
The meeting also offered an opportunity to discuss the experiences of religious and ethnic groups living throughout Iraq. The Kurdistan Region includes communities with different religious traditions and cultural backgrounds. Therefore, dialogue between political and religious leaders can help maintain communication about their concerns and future prospects.
H.E. Nechirvan Barzani’s latest message also reflects engagement between the Kurdistan Region’s leadership and the Vatican. Such exchanges allow political and religious figures to express support during significant personal or public events. Moreover, they can reinforce shared messages about peaceful engagement, compassion, and mutual understanding.
The Pope Leo Recovery message comes as the pontiff faces treatment following the lung tumor diagnosis. The available announcement confirmed the surgery and subsequent cancer diagnosis, but it did not provide further details about the cancer’s type or stage.
H.E. Nechirvan Barzani’s wishes conveyed concern for the pope’s health while recognizing his commitment to peaceful dialogue. Meanwhile, the Vatican’s announcement provided the medical context behind the president’s message. Further updates from the pontiff’s representatives may clarify his recovery progress and any expected changes to his schedule.
For now, H.E. Nechirvan Barzani has publicly expressed his hope for the pope’s full recovery. His message recalls their May meeting and emphasizes the continuing importance of peace, compassion, and dialogue between communities and leaders.
